Phoenix Racing

Ernst Moser >> Team Director

Between a dream year and eager anticipation

Christmas, the time “between the years”, the start into a new year – for most people this is a time of reflection, a time to lean back and to take a deep breath, to recharge one’s batteries. It is all this for me too. 2011 was an impressive year, but it was also one with a high flat-out share. It was strenuous and challenging over long stretches, I must admit. 

But we, the entire team of Phoenix Racing, were backed by success. As many as three months have passed since we won the title at Valencia but the pleasant feeling is still lingering. It’s a good feeling that’s very comfortable. When I lean back these days I feel a certain satisfaction and deeply contented as well as an increasingly eager anticipation for what’s ahead.

2011 was a dream year: with tremendous successes. Not only we in Team Phoenix shared the experiences of these successes but so did all the many fans Phoenix has had before and additionally gained. The support we enjoy impresses me immensely plus the fact that the string of congratulations has not stopped. At each award ceremony we receive new ones. I want to thank everyone who has congratulated, supported and given us additional motivation, all the people who are sincerely happy for us to have achieved these successes. It’s truly fascinating.

The moment of the year for me was when we crossed the finish line at the DTM round at Oschersleben. After Martin Tomczyk, who had started into the race only from position 14 on the grid, sensationally saw the chequered flag as the runner-up I started to firmly believe that we might be able to clinch the title.

The people of the year for me personally are my staff members, my team. They performed some incredible feats. We made quite a few changes before the season. All that paid off as the team perfectly put these changes into action. They did such a flawless job that, in the end, this was another crucial point on our way towards the title. They’ve got enormous motivation and ambition and I’m proud of my squad. Guys, you truly did a superb job!

Obviously, there were also a few less positive moments. In GT racing I’d have wished for things to go better. The vehicle rating made it pretty difficult for us though. Still, we managed to set some highlights, clinched victories and podium places wherever we were part of the grid, in the ADAC GT Masters, in the VLN Endurance Championship and at 24-hour races. We made the best that was possible out of the available package.

2012 – the next year – is already gearing up, the lights will soon jump to green. I’m really excited about the new year, the new season. It’ll be a year of intensive work as well as one full of variety. The new year is bringing us a new DTM. And all fans can look forward to that. We’re in for a DTM with extremely beautiful cars, with a new, third brand, with new drivers, new teams and well-known known drivers in new cockpits. All of this promises supreme suspense. It’ll no doubt be a fantastic year. I’m convinced of that.

For Phoenix Racing, the aim is clear: We want to continue to consistently pursue our path and be successful. And once you’ve made it to the very top you also want to stay there. We’ll give all we’ve got to make that happen.

Before we’ll be turning off the lights for a few days at our workshop in Meuspath I’d like to once again thank everyone who has made 2011, the Phoenix year of success, possible, all the many great people at Audi, the people in our partners’ organisations, our friends and benefactors, all the race organisers, marshals and journalists plus all those who kept their fingers crossed for us. There are so many highly motivated people whose huge commitment and untiring enthusiasm are essential to making this possible.

 I wish you and your families Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year of 2012, full of health and unlimited joy of life!

Yours

Ernst Moser